Dillon Barnes linked with Hibs as Jack Ross speaks on loan signings

Head coach expecting movement in and out before window closes

Dillon Barnes in action for Colchester

Jack Ross could look to bolster his Hibs squad with loan signings from England as Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Dillon Barnes emerged as a target for the Easter Road side.

The 24-year-old Englishman began his career with Barnet and has since had spells at Farnborough, Colchester, Welling United and Hemel Hempstead Town.

Barnes is yet to make a senior appearance for QPR, but was named on the bench for 13 matches in all competitions last term.

Kevin Dabrowski is currently back-up to No.1 Ofir Marciano, but the Polish stopper is yet to make his bow for the Hibs first team.

Ross said: “We want to strengthen, but we've also got to make sure it does improve us, and that we identify the right player ability-wise and character-wise.

"I believe we will add a couple. We may see movement going the other way as well, but I think the squad will have some changes between now and the window closing."

Asked if English clubs resuming pre-season training could help the Capital club in terms of potential signings, Ross continued in his broadcast press conference: "Possibly, in terms of loans.

"I think Scottish clubs have found it a bit difficult, with the season running out of sync.

"When some English clubs decide what players they will put out on loan, the younger players are always available early but it's a case of weighing up whether they will improve or strengthen your squad.

"It's the ones who are very close to first-team football at their respective clubs that you feel may improve you and the clubs probably take longer to decide on their situation.

"That's been a little more of a waiting game and as they return to action it will probably accelerate that process. We will be into the guts of our season at that point but it will certainly help decisions to be made."

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